I simply am genuine in that I do like to talk about all sorts of things by nature - sports included, but because I'm not the most versed in sports history and just don't follow (I care about baseball and basketball about as much as I do Star Wars and Star Trek, so I have to pick carefully). However, I've managed to learn while giving a bit of an ego boost to people I meet just asking for their opinions on stuff (I do care, I'm just looking for data constantly, especially ones combed through by SMEs of any sort). Ask some sports nut to explain a few simple things and they'll react a bit like someone that humbly asks a developer "So I don't know much but could you explain REST to me?" Nothing wrong with enjoying some company that might be a lead, it usually doesn't hurt, so why not have a good time and possibly lead to a ton of money?